Authorities are investigating a 90-year-old driver who may have been under the influence when his vehicle crashed into a coffee shop in California on Thanksgiving night. The incident, captured on surveillance cameras, shows a car racing down University Avenue in Los Gatos and crashing directly into the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company around 9 p.m., which resulted in significant damage and sent the driver to the hospital.
According to coffee shop owner Terry Hope, the crash left the establishment wrecked. “We are devastated by the destruction, but thankfully, no one else was hurt,” she noted, relieved that the driver was the only one involved.
Hope described the aftermath, saying, “Half of the equipment and furniture in the building was demolished. That’s our business’s core.” Images from the scene depicted the damage—a dark car with a shattered front window and debris scattered across the area.
Los Gatos Police mentioned that while alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor, they are exploring all angles of the incident. Thankfully, the store was closed, leaving no customers inside at the time, and the driver has since been reported to be stable in the hospital.
Local patrons were understandably upset, considering the alternative outcomes had the crash occurred during busier hours. “I can’t help but think what could have happened if it were a different time,” shared a regular as they reflected on the potential for injury.
Footage of the incident displayed the chaos of the crash, and regular customers like Sheila Lebedenko expressed their disbelief, reminiscing about the times spent in the now damaged space. “I’ve sat in that room many times, enjoying coffee and pastries, and now this,” she remarked. It can just happen so suddenly.
Despite the extent of the damage, Hope remains optimistic about reopening in the future. “I believe we will get back on our feet soon,” she stated with determination.
